What do you actually do day-to-day at Oncode?

My role is a mix of business development and intellectual property, which makes my days quite varied.

I work closely with Oncode investigators, discussing their research and thinking together about what could be next. Sometimes that’s about collaborations, sometimes about shaping a longer-term direction.

At the same time, I work with the IP team on patent applications. Because of my background as a patent attorney, I can assess ideas early on and help determine what is worth protecting and how to approach it. I try to connect those two sides in a practical way.

How does your work connect to our mission?

A lot of strong ideas come out of the academic research labs, but they don’t automatically reach patients.

To get there, you often need the right partners and the right timing. That’s where we come in. By staying close to the lab, we can spot opportunities early and help guide them forward.

Sometimes it’s about connecting people, sometimes about asking the right questions at the right moment. Small steps that can make a big difference later on.

Tell us about a recent project you’re proud of. What changed because of it?

Most of the work we do is confidential, so it’s not always easy to point to one project.

What I’m most proud of is how we approach intellectual property as part of a bigger picture. Instead of focusing only on patents, we look at how IP can support valorisation and help move projects forward.

Being involved earlier in the process allows us to think together with researchers about what is worth protecting and why. That adds more value to patient outcomes.

What helps you do your best work here?

The way people collaborate.

It’s very easy to approach colleagues, sit together and work through a question. That openness makes a big difference, especially when dealing with complex topics.

I also enjoy being in the office for that reason. The interaction, the quick conversations and the ability to think things through together all help to keep things moving.

Outside of work, what’s something people might not expect about you?

I really enjoy baking, especially making themed cakes for my children’s birthdays.

Each year comes with a new challenge, from princesses to more detailed designs like mermaids or characters such as Elsa and Anna. I like figuring out how to bring those ideas to life.

The interest started during my PhD, when I made a panda cake for a colleague. I even filled it with red fruit, so when it was cut it looked like it was “bleeding”, which made everyone laugh. Over time, it grew into a hobby I kept developing at home. I even made my brother’s wedding cake, which was a three-layer cake and quite a project.

I also play volleyball, although I once found out a bit too late that my former PhD supervisor, Madelon Maurice, had played at a much higher level than I ever did. I was quite happy I hadn’t claimed otherwise.